Security measures stepped up to ensure public safety

[May 07 2019]

Tri
Forces, Police, STF and the Civil Defence Department have worked
tirelessly to ensure the security of the country since the aftermath of
the terrorist incident, said so the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence,
General SHS Kottegoda (Retd) during a press briefing held at the
Ministry, last evening (06 May). At present a systematic security
arrangement is being carried out to face any terrorist threats. It is
requested that the people do not get deceived by persons spreading false
information or rumours and it is also requested not to publicize false
statements undermining national security that is in place now.

Tri Forces and Police have taken all required security
measures to ensure the safety of the schools. Together with the
cooperation of the parents, school authorities and teachers, schools
could continue to function smoothly, the Secretary further said.

All security measures have been taken by the Tri
Forces and Police to ensure the security of the people. The Tri Forces
have been given with necessary powers under the Emergency Regulations
and necessary actions were taken to provide security to all places to
facilitate the return of normalcy of life of the general public, said so
the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake.
Necessary instructions have already been issued to take action against
all those connected with the bombing. He also requested the people to
avoid having unnecessary fear and not to believe rumours.

The Navy has stepped up security to all ports and has
also taken measures to ensure the security of the country together with
the other services. Measures have also been taken to ensure security of
coastal areas and the seas and to curb possible threats and illegal
activities through them, said the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral
Piyal De Silva. With the collective effort of all sections of the
society we would be able to bring back normalcy and resume our day to
day activities, he further added.

The Air Force took immediate measures soon after the
Easter Sunday bombing, to tighten security and ensure the safety of the
passengers at the Katunayake airport. Security measures are taken to
provide maximum security to the passengers and it requested to bear with
any inconveniences that they may experience. The Air Force has also
taken action to face any possible air threats, said so the Commander of
the Air Force, Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy. He also requested the
people not believe rumours.

The Police were able to identify the suspects behind
the bombing while a number of them died in the suicide attack. Two bomb
experts in that group had also died. Police have also recovered all
explosive items hidden by this group for possible future use. It can
clearly be stated that all those involved in these attacks have been
identified and those directly responsible have been taken into custody,
said so the acting IG, Senior Deputy Inspector General C D Wickramaratne.
Life is returning to normalcy. Police is working with the Tri Forces to
ensure security. Awareness programmes are also being conducted at
schools. It is requested from the public not to believe unconfirmed
information circulated through social media, and if the need arises
anyone can contact the relevant authorities to seek clarifications, he
further added.

The press briefing was held to educate the public on
the current security situation of the country.